Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP160CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP160CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP160CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,053
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP160CAE3 from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive power systems. It delivers 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 160 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤259 V at 10 A IPP, and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP160CAE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP160CAE3 application, or MPLAD36KP160CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 1.0°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection (42 Ω source), RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, and RoHS-compliant e3 termination plating.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transients with sub-5 ns response time in bidirectional configuration. Its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package and metal-base cathode construction enable low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0°C/W) and efficient heat dissipation into PCB copper pads.
It is characterized for 10/1000 μs impulse waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5 and RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs), with derated PPP above 100°C case temperature per Figure 3. Standby current ID is ≤10 μA at VWM = 160 V, and temperature coefficient αV(BR) is +195 mV/°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - enables single-device protection against severe lightning-induced surges in avionics bus lines |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 160 V - sets maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates; matches 115 VAC-derived DC rails with safety margin |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 259 V @ IPP = 10 A - defines worst-case voltage seen by downstream circuitry during surge event |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - allows direct thermal coupling to heatsink or large copper pour for sustained multi-pulse operation |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 160 V - ensures negligible leakage in always-on power monitoring or sensor circuits |
| Operating Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - supports deployment in engine bay, flight control, or industrial motor drive environments |
| RoHS Compliance | e3 marking - matte-tin plating compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, no lead or hazardous substances |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode/Cathode) surface-mount package with metal base cathode terminal; dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈1.7–2.0 g; UL94V-0 rated epoxy body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top side metallization) | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | Accepts surge current from either polarity; symmetric conduction path relative to cathode |
| Cathode (metal base / bottom side) | Transient current return path & thermal interface | Serves as primary heat sink interface; must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper pad per recommended layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional surge suppression | Protects AC-coupled or floating-bus systems (e.g., CAN FD, ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553) without polarity concerns |
| RTCA DO-160 Section 22 compliance | Validated for multi-stroke lightning testing - critical for aircraft power distribution units and flight control electronics |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (42 Ω) | Meets highest severity secondary lightning immunity level for long-distance wiring harnesses in transport systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Guarantees reliability under automotive temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity exposure |
| Low RθJC = 1.0°C/W | Enables >3× higher pulse repetition rate vs. standard SMC packages under identical PCB layout conditions |
Applications
| Aircraft Power Distribution Units | Automotive Engine Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 VDC main bus inputs in airborne power converters subject to lightning-induced surges per DO-160F Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient voltage suppressor placed at board-level input connector to shunt energy before EMI filters and DC/DC stages. Use Value: Withstands ≥100 multi-stroke pulses at 36 kW without degradation, ensuring system-level DO-160 certification compliance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V battery-fed microcontroller supply rails in engine bay ECUs exposed to load dump transients up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device mounted directly at power entry point to limit voltage excursion during alternator regulation failure. Use Value: Clamps to 259 V within 5 ns, preventing latch-up or overvoltage damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic while surviving AEC-Q101 stress profiles. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Gate Drivers | Railway Signaling Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Shielding isolated gate driver supplies in variable-frequency drives from IGBT switching noise and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection on auxiliary 15 V bias rails feeding high-side gate drivers, placed after primary filtering. Use Value: Sub-5 ns response prevents false triggering of desaturation detection circuits during fast dV/dt events. |
Use Scenario: Hardening 75 Ω RS-485 communication ports in trackside signaling controllers against induced surges from nearby traction currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-side TVS on differential data pairs, configured bidirectionally to handle ±1 kV common-mode transients. Use Value: 160 V VWM avoids false triggering during normal 12 V bias swing while clamping 42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 surges to safe levels. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | Lower PPP (600 W), SMA package, RθJC = 40°C/W | Not suitable for DO-160 multi-stroke or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5; limited to consumer-grade surge zones | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-energy applications where thermal budget and certification are not required |
| SMCJ160CA | PPP = 1500 W, SMC package, RθJC = 15°C/W, same VWM/VC | Lacks AEC-Q101 and DO-160 qualification; insufficient for aviation or high-reliability automotive use | Use where moderate surge immunity suffices and full qualification documentation is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, certified thermal performance (RθJC = 1.0°C/W), and formal qualification to RTCA DO-160F and AEC-Q101 - making it the sole option for certified aerospace and mission-critical automotive deployments.
Availability
MPLAD36KP160CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive engine control, industrial motor drive, and railway signaling applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP160CAE3 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microsemi (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical transportation electronics.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 10 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Is the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity exposure. It is explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection and appears in Microsemi's documentation as suitable for engine control modules and battery management systems. The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 also carries wafer and assembly lot traceability for high-reliability automotive deployment.
Does the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160 lightning standards?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing at Level 4 (Waveform 4, 6.4/69 μs) and Level 5 (short-distance configuration). Its 36 kW rating and low thermal resistance enable reliable performance across repeated strikes - a requirement for aircraft power distribution units and flight control electronics. The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 is referenced directly in the RF01216 datasheet for DO-160 compliance.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MPLAD36KP160CAE3?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD36KP160CAE3 denotes bidirectional polarity - meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD36KP160AE3) and enables use in AC-coupled or floating signal paths. The MPLAD36KP160CAE3's bidirectional behavior is confirmed in the "Polarity" section of the RF01216 datasheet and reflected in its dual-breakdown characteristic.
What is the thermal resistance specification for the MPLAD36KP160CAE3?
The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0°C/W, measured with case temperature controlled on a heatsink as specified in the datasheet. This ultra-low value results from its metal-base cathode construction and optimized epoxy molding, enabling efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsinks. For thermal design, the MPLAD36KP160CAE3 requires a minimum 100 mm² copper pad area per the recommended pad layout in RF01216.
MPLAD36KP160CAE3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 139A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 36000W (36kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Military
- Qualification:
- MIL-PRF-19500
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PLAD
MPLAD36KP160CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP160CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP160CAE3 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MPLAD36KP160CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP160CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP160CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP160CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP160CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP160CAE3?
MPLAD36KP160CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP160CAE3 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MPLAD36KP160CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP160CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP160CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP160CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP160CAE3 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MPLAD36KP160CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP160CAE3?
All MPLAD36KP160CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP160CAE3, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MPLAD36KP160CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP160CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP160CAE3 Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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